Susan Dent is a renowned English lexicographer, etymologist, and media personality who has captivated audiences with her linguistic expertise and engaging television presence. Born in November 1964 in Woking, Surrey, she has become a household name through her long-standing role on the iconic game show Countdown.
With over three decades in the public eye, Dent has become a household name in the UK, celebrated for her linguistic expertise and engaging personality. She is known not only for her role as the face of “Dictionary Corner” on the popular game show “Countdown,” but also for her impressive career as a renowned lexicographer.
Profile Summary
| Name | Susie Dent |
| Date of birth | November 19, 1964 |
| Age | 60 years old |
| Place of birth | Woking, Surrey, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Somerville College, Oxford (BA in French and German) Princeton University (MA in German) |
| Occupation | Lexicographer, etymologist, media personality, author, podcaster |
| Known for | Countdown (1992-present) 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (2012-present) Something Rhymes With Purple (2019-present) |
| Books | Over 20, including “Word Perfect,” “What Made The Crocodile Cry?,” “The Language Report,” “Dent’s Modern Tribes,” “An Emotional Dictionary” |
| Net worth | Between $2 million and $7 million |
| Spouse | Paul Atkins (separated since 2021) |
| Daughters | Lucy Atkins and Thea Atkins |
Biography
Susie Dent’s academic journey laid the foundation for her successful career. She was educated at the Marist Convent in Ascot, a Roman Catholic day school. Demonstrating her academic prowess early on, she spent a term at Eton College preparing for her Oxbridge entrance exams. She later attended Somerville College, Oxford, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern Languages. Not stopping there, Dent pursued a master’s degree in German at Princeton University in the United States. After completing her studies, she spent a year teaching German in New York before returning to the UK.
Career
Susie Dent’s career took a transformative turn in 1992 when she joined the Channel 4 game show Countdown as a lexicographer and adjudicator. Initially hesitant to take the role, she accepted it as part of her employment with Oxford University Press, where she was working on English dictionaries at the time. Over the years, Dent has appeared in over 5,000 episodes, making her the longest-serving member of the show’s on-screen team. She also appears on the spin-off show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Beyond Countdown, Dent has made guest appearances on other popular TV shows, including Would I Lie to You? and Richard Osman’s House of Games. She has also acted as herself in the BBC sitcom Not Going Out and presented a Channel 4 web series titled Susie Dent’s Guide to Swearing, where she explored the origins of various English swear words.
In addition to her television work, Dent co-hosts the award-winning podcast Something Rhymes With Purple alongside Gyles Brandreth. The podcast dives into the fascinating history and etymology of the English language and has even led to live theater residencies. In 2023, she embarked on a solo tour titled The Secret Lives of Words, sharing her linguistic insights with live audiences.
Husband
Susie Dent was married to Paul Atkins, a teacher, and the couple has two daughters. They separated in 2021. Despite the challenges, Dent has remained devoted to her family. She is also an avid supporter of Arsenal Football Club.
Net Worth
Susie Dent’s estimated net worth as of 2024 is between $2 million and $7 million, but her exact salary has not been publicly disclosed.
She earns income from her various professions, including her work on Countdown and her podcast with Gyles Brandreth called Something Rhymes With Purple.
According to prospect.ac.uk, lexicographers start as assistant editors and can expect to earn salaries ranging from £18,000 to £22,000. Those who begin as editors may receive £20,000 to £30,000 salaries. Senior editors with experience may earn salaries between £23,000 and £35,000, while project managers can earn up to £45,000.
However, most lexicographers work on a freelance basis, and their rates of pay depend on their experience and skills. This is why some sources claim Susie Dent’s salary currently stands at $400,000 due to her fame, experience, and influence.
Books
Susie Dent has authored several books, showcasing her curiosity, and passion for language and its evolution. Her books explore various aspects of language, such as slang, jargon, idioms, swear words, and regional dialects.
Some of her most popular books are:
- The Language Report (2003–2007): A series of yearly reports documenting the changes and trends in the English language, such as new words, phrases, and usages.
- Larpers and Shroomers (2004): A book that examines the secret languages of various subcultures and groups, such as live-action role-players, mushroom hunters, and crossword solvers.
- Fanboys and Overdogs (2005): A book that explores the power and influence of language, such as how words can persuade, inspire, offend, or amuse.
- The Like, Language Report for Real (2006): A book that focuses on the language of young people, such as texting, slang, and internet speaking.
- The Language Report: English on the Move 2000-2007 (2007): A book that summarizes the main findings and highlights of the previous Language Reports and provides new insights and observations on the English language.
- Dent’s Modern Tribes (2016): A book that reveals the secret languages of various professions and occupations, such as lawyers, doctors, teachers, and journalists.
- Word Perfect: Etymological Entertainment for Every Day of the Year (2020): A book that offers a word or phrase for each day, along with its origin, meaning, and usage. The book also features anecdotes, trivia, and quizzes related to language.